Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Hardened baselines + strict change control = resilient systems.
- Automated configuration monitoring detects drift before attackers exploit deviations.
- Documentation and version control keep auditors—and your team—on the same page.
Why Configuration Management Matters
Misconfigurations account for a significant share of breaches. NIST SP 800‑171's Configuration Management (CM) controls (3.4.1 – 3.4.8) mandate a disciplined approach to defining, approving, and monitoring system configurations that process Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Core CM Controls & Best Practices
| Control | Focus | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 3.4.1 | Establish baselines | Harden OS images, disable unused services |
| 3.4.2 | Enforce change control | Use ITSM workflow & approvals |
| 3.4.3 | Track config changes | Version control + CI/CD pipeline logs |
| 3.4.4 | Analyze impact | Security testing in staging |
| 3.4.5 | Access limits | Privileged Access Management (PAM) |
| 3.4.6 | Document CM process | SOPs + diagrams |
| 3.4.7 | Monitor drift | CIS-CAT, Ansible, or Chef InSpec scans |
| 3.4.8 | Encrypt configuration data | Secrets vault + FIPS‑validated crypto |
Implementation Checklist
- Define secure baselines using CIS Benchmarks.
- Automate builds with Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
- Require peer review for every change request.
- Scan production nightly for deviation.
- Archive all CM artifacts for 3 years to simplify audits.
Next Steps with Total Assure
Total Assure helps DoD contractors implement robust CM programs, integrate IaC pipelines, and pass audits with ease. Contact us for an assessment.
